Botox Vs. Xeomin: What Are the Differences?

Botox is the first FDA-approved injectable for reducing wrinkles. It appeared on the market 25 years ago. Ten years later, the FDA approved a slightly different formulation for the same treatment. It’s called Xeomin.

Patients interested in smoothing out their wrinkles may wonder which of the two anti-wrinkle treatments is better. The following article explains the differences and similarities between Botox and Xeomin, helping you choose the right neurotoxin injectable.

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin can be deadly in large quantities, but the cosmetic industry uses small, safe doses to reduce the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles.

The generic name for Botox is onabotulinumtoxinA.

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A. Like Botox, it is used in the cosmetic industry to reduce the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles.

It is also referred to as “naked Botox” because it is stripped of the complexing proteins that naturally exist around the neurotoxin and contains only the active ingredient, botulinum toxin.

The generic name for Xeomin is incobotulinumtoxinA.

Botox vs. Xeomin Treatment Comparison

The following table sums up the main differences between Xeomin and Botox, two of the six FDA-approved neurotoxin injectables.

Botox vs. Xeomin Formulation

The main difference between Botox and Xeomin lies in their composition. Both are produced from Clostridium botulinum, but their other components differ.

Botox

Botox consists of the main active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, and complexing proteins that are naturally present around it. The Botox injectable also contains human albumin and sodium chloride as inactive ingredients.

Xeomin

Xeomin consists of the main active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, stripped of its complexing proteins. Some studies show that this purified form of botulinum toxin decreases the chance of the body developing immunoresistance to the treatment.

The Xeomin injectable also contains human albumin and sucrose as inactive ingredients.

Botox vs. Xeomin Uses

Botox and Xeomin are used at medical spas to reduce the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements.

The neurotoxins are also FDA-approved for other conditions, including muscle spasticity and excess sweating.

Botox

The following are FDA-approved cosmetic Botox treatment areas:

• Moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows
• Crow’s feet
• Lines on the forehead

Medspas and clinics may also use Botox off label to treat:

• Chin wrinkles
• Sweaty palms
• Nose wrinkles (bunny lines)
• Wide nose
• Eyebrows
• Lines between the mouth and nose (lipstick lines)
• Lines around the mouth
• Neck wrinkles
• Nasolabial folds
• Under-eye lines
• Gummy smile
• Small upper lips (lip flip)

Medical Botox uses include:

• Overactive bladder
• Headache
• Cervical dystonia
• Limb spasticity
• Certain eye muscle problems (strabismus)
• Abnormal spasm of the eyelids (blepharospasm)
• Severe underarm sweating

Xeomin

Xeomin is FDA-approved for the following areas:

• Frown lines
• Forehead wrinkles
• Crow’s feet

When administered in medical spas or clinics, Xeomin has been safely used to treat other wrinkles on the face, such as chin wrinkles and lines around the mouth.

In medicine, Xeomin is used for the following conditions:

• Upper limb spasticity
• Cervical dystonia
• Abnormal spasm of the eyelids (blepharospasm)
• Chronic sialorrhea (excessive drooling)

Botox vs. Xeomin Units

The medical practitioner will determine the necessary dosage of the injectable based on the patient’s needs and previous botulinum toxin treatments. The total number of Botox or Xeomin units per treatment should not exceed 400 units for all treated areas combined.

Botox

The recommended Botox units for the most common treatment areas are:

• Glabellar lines—Total of 20 units divided into 5 injections of 4 units each, injected into 5 previously marked areas.
• Crow’s feet—Total of 24 units divided into 3 injections of 4 units each, injected into 3 previously marked areas on each side.
• Forehead wrinkles—Total of 20 units divided into 5 injections of 4 units each, injected into 5 previously marked areas.

Note: Check out our article to find out how many units of Botox you need for other areas.

Xeomin

Xeomin is typically applied in a 1:1 ratio with Botox, so the recommended amount of Xeomin for FDA-approved areas is approximately the same as the above.

Botox vs. Xeomin Results

Botox and Xeomin provide similar anti-aging results. The injected skin is instantly smoother and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is visibly reduced or eliminated within several days.

Botox

The first effects of a Botox treatment usually appear up to two weeks after the procedure. For most patients, the effects of the Botox treatment last for three to four months. Some patients feel the effects for six months.

Xeomin

The first Xeomin results usually appear up to one week after the procedure. For most patients, the effects of the treatment last for three to four months. Some patients feel the effects for six months.

How Long Does Xeomin Last Compared to Botox?

The longevity of Botox and Xeomin results is approximately the same, between three and six months. According to one study, the onset of effects happens slightly earlier with Xeomin than with Botox.

What Are the Side Effects of Botox vs. Xeomin?

Side effects of Botox and Xeomin are similar. They are occasional and usually mild.

Botox

Occasional side effects of Botox injections are:

• Pain, redness, swelling, bruising at the injection site
• Bumps
• Headache
• Neck pain
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing
• Droopy eyelids

Rare and severe side effects of Botox injections happen when the toxin spreads in the body, and they are:

• Difficulty breathing, speaking, and/or swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of bladder control
• Vision problems

Xeomin

The most common side effect of Xeomin injections is a headache.

Rare and severe side effects of Xeomin injections include:

• Allergic reactions (itching, rash, dizziness, etc.)
• Difficulty breathing, speaking, and/or swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of bladder control
• Vision problems

Botox vs. Xeomin Aftercare

Medical providers recommend the same aftercare tips after both treatments. These skincare and lifestyle guidelines help minimize complications and increase the longevity of the results.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Avoid makeup.
• Use gentle skincare products.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Don’t drink alcohol for 24-48 hours.
• Stay away from the sun and sources of high heat.
• Apply cold compresses to the treatment area to reduce swelling.
• Take Tylenol for pain.

Note: Find more details on how to take care of your skin in our blog posts on Botox aftercare and Xeomin aftercare.

Should Anyone Avoid Botox or Xeomin?

Botox and Xeomin are safe and generally well-tolerated, but some people should consider alternative treatments due to the following conditions:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Neuromuscular disease
• Facial muscle weakness
• Skin conditions or infections
• Deep scars
• Allergies to the neurotoxin

Drug Interactions with Botox and Xeomin

Certain medications and supplements may cause side effects when used before or after a neurotoxin injection. During your cosmetic treatment consultation, tell your medical practitioner about all prescription and OTC drugs you are taking.

The following medications may cause an adverse reaction if taken before or after a Botox or Xeomin treatment:

• Antibiotics taken by injection or inhalation
• Muscle relaxants
• Allergy or cold medicine
• Sleep medicine
• Other botulinum neurotoxin products

Botox vs. Xeomin Cost

The cost of a neurotoxin injectable depends on the area treated and how many units the provider recommends.

Botox

At Vibrant Skin Bar, a unit of Botox costs $14. The total price of the procedure depends on the areas treated and the desired effects. For example, if you are treating glabellar lines and need 20 units, your Botox treatment’s total price will be $280.

Xeomin

At Vibrant Skin Bar, a unit of Xeomin costs $13.5. The total cost of a Xeomin treatment depends on the area treated and the desired effects.

Are Botox and Xeomin Covered by Insurance?

Insurance companies don’t cover Botox and Xeomin for cosmetic purposes because they are not considered a medical necessity. The treatments can be partially or fully covered when they are used to address conditions such as muscle spasticity, abnormal eyelid spasm, excess sweating, etc.

Is Xeomin Better for You Than Botox?

Botox and Xeomin are very similar in terms of how they work, the results they provide, and the longevity of their effects.

Their main difference is in their composition. Xeomin’s lack of complexing proteins makes the injectable stable at room temperature, unlike Botox, which needs to be refrigerated. That makes Xeomin more convenient for storage. It may also minimize the chance of an immune reaction to the treatment.

Discuss your previous anti-wrinkle experiences, potential medical issues, and any medication you are taking with your chosen cosmetic practitioner. They will then choose the appropriate neurotoxin treatment for you.

Note: Learn how Botox and Xeomin compare to other neurotoxin injectables in our articles on Jeuveau vs. Botox and Xeomin vs. Dysport.

Conclusion

Botox and Xeomin are FDA-approved injectable treatments that effectively reduce wrinkles and provide long-lasting rejuvenation with regular maintenance.

Schedule a consultation with our seasoned medical providers at Vibrant Skin Bar for a careful skin evaluation and a customized treatment plan.